Harley-Davidson has been offering various bikes since it started in 1903. They’ve done a fairly good job targeting different styles for each rider. Some of their most popular styles are the Hardtail and Softail models. Now be honest, do you know the difference between a Hardtail and Softtail Harley-Davidson motorcycle?
If you made it to this article, you’re here seeking the answer to that exact question. Stick around. In this article, we will go over the direct differences between both models, with some pros and cons.
The Overview of a Harley-Davidson
A Harley-Davidson is a simple yet complex piece of machinery. Each detail that goes into the bike adds comfort, aesthetics, or cost efficiency. Depending on who you are, you may like your Harley a little beefier and more durable, or on the flip side, you could prefer a slim, sleek, lighter design.
Regardless of your personal preferences, you need to understand some key factors about a motorcycle. First, each bike has a few essential things – the frame, the wheels, and the engine. But to cater to specifics, we also have the design.
Frames
Though usually overlooked by the beginner rider, the frame adds to the motorcycle’s many results. The frame is the element that gives you a stiffer or softer feel.
The frame is the structure for your bike, similar to how our skeleton is our structure. The frame Holds the engine, front and rear suspension, the gas tank, and you. It needs to be designed to reflect the desired results.
Designs
When we start discussing the design, we usually try to compensate for a few factors. First, the weight is the biggest, then the performance, followed by comfort.
The heavier the motorcycle is, the more rigid the frame has to be, which usually creates a stiffer feel. So today, we’re looking for more significance in everything. Bigger engine, gas tank, tires, seats, and frame. This is to increase our performance. Once we’ve improved performance, we’re left with the most significant selling point to any motorcycle, comfort.
Technology is on our side as we advance into the world of motorcycles. We can now specifically cater to each rider’s wants and needs. This brings us to the differences between Hardtail and Softail Harley-Davidson motorcycles. It’s all in the frame.
Hardtail Harley-Davidson
The original design for a motorcycle was to use one frame. You can now guess the hardtail Harleys have a stiffer or harder feel. It’s inevitable when the frame is not designed for comfort but for rigidity. The hardtail frame is one single frame that delivers both front and rear suspension. This means all the weight is distributed throughout the entire bike.
Just like any other design that has been created, it offers some pros and cons.
Pros of Hardtail Harley-Davidson
- The pros of a hardtail Harley are based on the simplicity of the design. With the frame being solid, this requires fewer finances. The bike is cheaper, quite significantly, for a matter of fact. With fewer parts needed to be manufactured or replaced, this is a real selling point.
- The hardtail is the “vintage” bike. You feel every crack and bump in the road, which the veteran riders will say is the whole point of riding in the first place.
Cons of Hardtail Harley-Davidson
- The cons of this motorcycle are just as simple as the design itself. As we discussed earlier, the old bikers say they want to feel the bumps on the road. On the flip side, this will fall on the cons side for the riders who want comfort and a smooth ride. If you make it that far, you’ll be sore and tired after a few hours of riding. Expect a tired back and bum.
- If you like putting someone on the back, the one-frame design isn’t ideal for a passenger. They will be feeling the road even more than you.
- With this motorcycle style beginning to be phased out, the possibility of stores discontinuing parts is growing.
Softail Harley-Davidson
There is a reason the Softail is becoming the preferred style for most Harley riders. The Softail Harley-Davidson offers a two-piece frame design. With the rear suspension sitting in a mini frame entirely separate from the front, this offers a softer feel, hence a soft tail. Therefore this means the front half of the structure is designed to hold the majority of the weight distribution for the bike.
The rear is where we feel all the road bumps, rocks, and cracks, so let’s see how this design can differ from the hardtail.
Examples of Softail Motorcycles
- Harley-Davidson Breakout 117
- Harley-Davidson Fat Bob 114
- Harley-Davidson Fat Boy 114
- Harley-Davidson Low Rider S
- Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST
- Harley-Davidson Softail Standard
- Harley-Davidson Street Bob 114
Pros of Softail Harley-Davidson
- With the dual-frame design, you’re creating comfort. Eliminating the feeling of every bump, crack, or rock in the road, you’re creating a better experience.
- The length of your ride will be increased. Now that you’re more comfortable, you’ll be able to tackle longer trips, to further places.
- With comfort comes relaxation. Now that you don’t have to worry about all the bumps, you can put the cruise control on, sit back and enjoy the ride.
Cons of Softail Harley-Davidson
- Your budget will need to increase. Regardless of how much you spend at the counter, you’ll still have to consider the cost of parts to maintain your new hog.
- After a while of riding the new-age design, you may miss the old hardtail feel
Which is Better?
Now that we know the differences between a hardtail and a Softail Harley-Davidson motorcycle, which one is better? This question will be around for as long as people enjoy two wheels. Regarding protecting your wallet, the hardtail is the better financial option. But, when It comes to comfort and enjoying the road for as long as possible, the Softail truly takes the crown.
With all the facts laid out on the table, it is a personal preference. Don’t buy a motorcycle from an article or YouTube video. Go on the road and test drive each one, then come to your conclusion.
